Knightly Bonds 1: Their Majesties' Knight Read Free Page A

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Chapter 2

    “Sir Garen.” Arin’s voice made Lan’s body instantly hot. “Escort my sister, will you? I wish to speak with...our guest.” His voice was caressing.
    Damn it. So I haven’t been imagining it. Lan steeled himself. Lusting after men, though not totally unacceptable, was generally frowned upon. It was what had cost him his home. His brother had exiled him when he found out, and he kept wandering from then on. As far as he knew, no one knew about him. He was usually discreet. He was surprised by the effect Arin had on him. It was hard to rein in his interest. Lan wanted this man.
    “Yes, my king.” Judging by the stony expression on Garen’s face, he wasn’t thrilled to find himself the princess’s escort. The haughty expression on Moira’s face mirrored his. Huh. So, he hadn’t imagined Garen’s reaction earlier. What’s more, the feeling seemed to be mutual.
    “Yes, they are rather interested in each other. They could even realize it if they stopped hostilities for long enough,” Arin said dryly.
    “You are not upset.”
    Arin snorted. “My sister knows to take care of herself,” he answered, looking at the pair. “And barring his obsession with her, Garen knows that, too.” He smiled at Lan. “Walk with me, Lan.”
    Lan obeyed, warmth flooding him when Arin’s shoulder rubbed his. His cock filled. Lan muttered something under his breath. It wasn’t the first time he was lusting after a man he couldn’t have. Lusting after a king was the height of stupidity.
    “What was that?”
    “Nothing, sir.”
    Arin’s lips twitched. “I see. Are you always this quiet?”
    Lan shifted uncomfortably. “Habit of mine, mostly.”
    “I noticed. For the two days you were here, you mostly kept to yourself. I know that you participated in training sessions and that Garen made sure to keep you...entertained,” Arin said, glancing at his knight, “but still, you kept yourself apart. Why is that?”
    Lan was taken aback. He didn’t know how to explain it. No one ever asked him this question. He didn’t have close friends. His lifestyle didn’t allow them. The people here, though, knew each other for a long time. He envied them. A lump settled in his throat. No, there will be no home for Lan of the Lions.
    “Have we managed to scare you already?”
    “No, sire, I...I like it here.” He was surprised to find out this was the truth. It doesn’t have to mean anything, he reminded himself.
    Arin’s lips twitched. “Give us some time,” he said. “Tell me something of yourself then.”
    “I am sure Your Majesty already heard what was worth hearing.”
    “I did. It was impressive.”
    “People exaggerate.”
    “Not about you, I would think,” Arin said slowly. “Garen respects you. I trust him.”
    Lan’s gaze wandered over to where Moira and Garen stood next to each other, their expressions sour. There was an empty circle around them since no one was brave enough to approach them. The king followed his gaze.
    “No need to worry about your friend. They will be on their best behavior in public.”
    “That’s their best behavior?”
    Arin laughed, the sound full and rich, zeroing straight to Lan’s groin. “Yes. Believe me, they could be much worse.”
    He wouldn’t want to be around to witness that. “What happens now?” he asked, changing the subject.
    “About what?” Arin’s finely sculpted eyebrows rose.
    “If I decide to stay.”
    He was treated to a sardonic look. “Thought you already did.”
    Lan frowned. “It doesn’t work that way.”
    Usually, if he wanted to join an established group of warriors, he needed to prove himself.
    “It does with you. Mind you, newcomers are usually tested. But with everything we knew about you and the fact that you beat Garen—well, I think we could dispense with it in your case.”
    Lan crossed his arms, stopping and forcing Arin to do the same. “What if I want to test you?”
    Surprise showed on Arin’s face, but he quickly